Puthukkudiyiruppu victory monument unveiled
Puthukkudiyiruppu, near the mangroves in Nanthikadal
lagoon where heroic War Heroes annihilated world's most ruthless cycle
of terrorism and its megalomaniac monster during a dignified military
ceremony this morning (9) received recognition and immortality with a
"Victory Monument" before a galaxy of military chiefs, including
President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the
Armed Forces.
The special "Victory Monument", erected at
Puthumattalan in memory of all those War Heroes who triumphed over evil
and sacrificed their lives for the noblest of all noble causes was
unveiled amidst hoisting of the National Flag and Tri-service Flags by
President Rajapaksa and Tri-service Commanders respectively.
The visiting President on arrival at the venue was
accorded a Guard of Honour by Commando Regiment soldiers. Minutes after
that the President hoisted the National flag and all Tri-Service
Commanders simultaneously hoisted the flags of their respective
services. Adding colour and dignity to the occasion was the raising of
the Wanni Security Forces Headquarters flag, all Divisional and Task
Force flags, representing all War Heroes who contributed to the
recently-concluded Wanni humanitarian operations by respective
commanders who took part in the offensives against terrorism.
Secretary of Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa and
Tri-service Commanders were also associated with the occasion. Mr
Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Acting Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal
Roshan Gunathilake unveiled two plaques on both sides of the new
monument soon after the President declared it opened. The monument had
been dedicated to the memory of all War Heroes who fought in the Wanni
humanitarian operations.
The blue background to this 'Victory Monument in
Victorious Land' depicts the blue ocean and the flowers around it the
Sri Lankan Nation. Four Lions at four corners of the memorial
immortalize the contribution of the War Heroes who came from all four
directions to win the final battle. The soldier sculptor that carries a
weapon symbolizes valour and gallantry of soldiers. The National flag on
it demonstrates the sovereignty, independence and dignity of the nation.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing a record 5000
strong gathering of Army personnel after opening of the monument paid a
glittering tribute to their invaluable contribution during the Wanni
battles.
President Rajapaksa later on declared open an
information outlet that could be used by War Heroes as a reference
centre while serving in Puthukkudiyiruppu. He also took time off to
mingle with War Heroes and shared a couple of thoughts with them before
the ceremonies came to an end.
Courtesy : SL Army |
